Mule Deer: Cautionary story! I agree that the most important safety is between your ears. Seems like the Model 70 bearer didn't get the basics right. That muzzle is the most important thing to me. If that's squared away, then at least an ND will likely only be an embarrassment.
While I don't trust any safety, I do like having ones that aren't easily wiped off. Trips and falls can happen too, and a good safety might come in handy then. Or an empty chamber.
I also like bolts and doubles because one can check for barrel obstructions pretty easily from the rear.
Sidepass: That sounds pretty safe.
